Clemson football: Baylon Spector drafted by the Buffalo Bills

The second Clemson football player taken in the 2022 NFL draft came off the board late Saturday afternoon.

Baylon Spector – Linebacker, 2017-21

Drafted by: Buffalo Bills

Round: 7

Pick: 10

Quick take: Spector has been a solid college linebacker. Physically, he has demonstrated his speed, but I think the question for the NFL was if he has the size and strength to compete physically. I’ve also read that he isn’t an ideal fit for any specific linebacker role, at least not a traditional role. We have seen some players, like Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, push the boundaries of the traditional linebacker. Spector may have this kind of potential eventually, but his best way to make the roster is on special teams. Once he proves he can fill a need, he can attempt to prove he can be a contributor on defense as well.

Sean McDermott is a smart defensive minded head coach, so I don’t think this selection in the 7th round is a flyer on Spector. I think the McDermott and the Bills wanted him in Buffalo, and didn’t want to take the chance that he could end up somewhere else as an undrafted free agent. This is a great situation for Baylon. The Bills are a contender with a good coaching staff and front office. He is a Georgia-bred kid, so it may take a minute to get used to western NY State weather, but I think he will be motivated.

Clemson highlights:

• 210 tackles
• 2 tackles for loss
• 9 sacks
• 4 forced fumbles
• 4 fumble recoveries
• 3 pass breakups
• 1 interception

Draft Projections:

• ESPN Jordan Reid: Undrafted
• CBS Ryan Wilson: Undrafted
• CBS Josh Edwards: Undrafted
• Sporting News: Undrafted
• Walterfootball.com: 5th Round
• Drafttek: Undrafted

Dabo’s take:

"“He’s a great player. Their talent gets them here, and their skills develop. If you’ve got the work ethic, you’re going to make it. But you’ve got to put the work in. You’ve gotta go earn it. Baylon is the epitome of that.”"